Kenneth Rijock

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

RAMPANT CRIME IN PANAMA REQUIRES THAT YOU NOT SEND YOUR LAWYER OR CLIENTS THERE

Crimes against the person are out of control in the Republic of Panama. Tourists are the usual victims, but foreign businessmen and professionals are also finding that Panama has become too dangerous for them. Robberies and burglaries have increased exponentially over the past year, and local authorities appear to be unable or unwilling to curb the attacks, some of which are now coming in broad daylight.

The most disturbing report came in from an experienced world traveler, who was visiting Panama with his wife recently. They were robbed, of everything of value, and the victim, who knows the difference between amateur and professional criminals, insists that the perpetrators were police officers. After the crime, the uniformed police, without rendering any humanitarian assistance whatsoever, quickly dumped the broke, hungry, thirsty and dirty tourists at the airport, to await their departing flight.

Many of Panama's upscale hotels are now warning their foreign guests to stay indoors at night; my own travel agent, who was brought up in Panama, visited there recently, and was herself unnerved by the crime situation. many expats are openly considering leaving Panama permanently, due to the crime wave in progress.

North Americans and Europeans, kindly refrain from seeking to transact financial business in person in Panama, unless you want to bring a personal security contingent, please. If you must come to Panama on business, do not come alone or unprepared.